Leeds United could sign long-term target Martin Terrier for cheaper than expected this summer...

What's the word?

The Stade Rennes forward has been heavily mooted with a switch to Elland Road and he's a player that has been on the Whites' radar for the majority of the transfer window, according to journalist Pete O'Rourke.

Terrier was expected to cost in excess of £30m, as per The Athletic's Phil Hay earlier this month, but he could now be available for lower than that.

Speaking in an interview with Football FanCast, the reporter said:

"He's been on Leeds' radar for most of the summer and if his price tag has come down, that can only be good news for Leeds United - if they're able to sign the attacker for a smaller fee than what was being quoted earlier in the summer.

"He had a great season last year for Rennes."

Leeds need a striker

It's no secret that the Yorkshire giants need an extra body up top and Terrier would appear to be an ideal candidate to provide a much-needed alternative to Patrick Bamford.

The 25-year-old has been in electric form for the Ligue 1 side, having provided a whopping 21 goals and seven assists across 45 appearances last campaign.

Bamford missed a lot of game time due to persistent injury problems during the same season and that left manager Jesse Marsch light on options.

Young striker Joe Gelhardt and diminutive winger Daniel James were often deployed in his absence but it was only the departed Raphinha who hit double figures in terms of goal returns.

Terrier is also capable of playing out wide, meaning he wouldn't necessarily be a sole backup to the England international as he could also provide healthy competition on the flanks, and this ability has seen him earn comparisons to one of the best to ever do it in the Premier League.

"He’s a very quick, left-sided right-footed attacking player whose trademark is coming in off the left flank and whipping shots in; a-la Thierry Henry," claimed European football writer Tom Williams to the Sky Sports Transfer Talk podcast.

"Looking at his age and the phenomenal season he had last season, he will probably think that if he is ever going to make a big move to the Premier League, it’s probably going to be now or never."

That also bodes well for Leeds in their pursuit to sign him and both the American head coach and the fanbase will be encouraged by O'Rourke's exciting claim that not only has he been on their radar for quite some time, but he could be available for cheaper than expected.

With less than two weeks to go in the window, it's on director of football Victor Orta and his staff to get a new frontman to the club before it's too late and in Terrier, Leeds could find the answer.

AND in other news, Orta could seal absolute steal with Leeds move for "very highly rated" seven-figure target...